For quite some time, I’ve been of the opinion that books are not only labors of love but also works of art. The writing is, of course, the heart of the book…without a doubt. But there is something to be said for a beautiful cover, for an appeasing layout, for the details—be they flourishes around the page numbers or scrolls at section breaks—that show someone thought the book was worth the time and energy to make it special visually.

The same can be said for other documents, too. If you’ve been reading our Facebook posts, you’ll find that we’ve been working with a craftswoman at Threadlock Press to produce copies of our catalogue. She does beautiful printing the old fashioned way. I was gifted a book of poems she printed, and I when I decided that I wanted something beautiful to give away, I knew she’d be the person to work with.

What I’ve really been enjoying is her updates. She’s been sending me email messages with the status of the project, and these emails include pictures. I’m getting to see the process, which has been exciting!

After I sent her the content for the catalogue, we discussed the cover page. I sent her my logo, and she carved a linocut of it for the cover.

She also set the press name and our slogan. Check out the candle she used for the “I” in the first word.

We are using really beautiful paper, which she ordered. It hasn’t all arrived, but it’s starting to come in. She has begun cutting what is here so far.

With the paper here, some of the printing has started.

I’m so excited about this project. It’s great that we have a catalogue coming together. And even more exciting is that this will be a beautiful booklet that I will be proud to hand out.

Next time you’ve got an abundance of cash you just can’t seem to get rid of, hit the auction and pick up a couple copies of The Birds of America. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll own a book that costs as much as your own private island.

The LCPA What If…Science Fiction and Fantasy Forum present Zombies & Angels & Boogeymen, Oh My! on January 11 at noon (Library of Congess, Madison Building, Pickford Theater, LM 302). Please join the press and authors Vonnie Winslow Crist and Michelle D. Sonnier as they discuss how they use myth, legend, and folklore in tales of speculative fiction. We will explore these three characters in modern ways. The authors will then read excerpts from their books. This event is free and open to the public!